The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 409

Vincent smiled with polished grace, his eyes full of pride.

"How are the engagement party preparations coming along?" Vivian asked. "Just say the word if you need us to help with anything."

"I have everything under control," Vincent replied. He was determined to make it a beautiful, intimate celebration.

Nathaniel watched the heartwarming scene, feeling a sharp pang of envy. He looked at his own disappointing son and sighed.

How could the boy have been foolish enough to lose someone as wonderful as Amelia?

Nathaniel had ordered him to break up with that girl within a month, but instead, Jaron was causing a scene, acting suicidal over the Collins girl. It infuriated Nathaniel that his son couldn't see through such a transparent guilt trip.

Feeling a sudden chill, Jaron looked to his left only to find his father glaring at him with pure disdain. He looked away, baffled, his gaze drifting toward Amelia. She was standing right there, yet he had never felt further away from her.

Jasper stayed by Nicole's side backstage as she prepared for her solo performance. When she finally stepped out, his eyes never left her. Their gazes met for a fleeting second before she turned to the piano, her fingers beginning to dance across the keys.

The music was heavenly—a rich, beautiful melody that seemed to cast a spell over the room, leaving the audience completely entranced. Watching from afar, Amber gave her a cold, dismissive glance. She was indifferent to the talent; she was simply waiting for the day Nicole would be torn to pieces.

As the final note faded, the hall erupted in thunderous applause. A soft, knowing smile played on Nicole's lips. She walked to the front of the stage with an effortless, radiant confidence, giving the audience a warm smile and a graceful bow. In the crowd, Frederick and Kenneth stood tall in their suits, beaming with pride as they joined the ovation.

When Nicole made it backstage, Jasper's eyes were shimmering with emotion. He reached out for her, and the moment she took his hand, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Nicole, you were incredible."

She smiled, hugging him back just a little tighter. "The results are coming up. I'm actually starting to get nervous."

"It doesn't matter what they say," Jasper murmured, cupping her face and kissing her forehead. "In my heart, you're already the champion."

"And now, for the results of the National Piano Competition," the announcer's voice boomed. "Starting with the duet category. In third place..."

As the names were read out, Nicole and Jasper's hearts hammered in their chests. They stood with their fingers locked tight, holding their breath in the mounting tension.

"And finally, our first-place winners... Nicole and Jasper!"

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